Ronan
Ronan is a boys' name of Irish origin meaning “little seal.” It ranked #247 in the United States in 2025. Ronan derives from the Irish 'ron' meaning seal, with the diminutive suffix '-an.'
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how do you pronounce Ronan?
ROH-nan
where does the name Ronan come from?
From rón, the Irish word for seal: an Irish and Breton name and surname.
In Irish mythology, a selkie (seal-woman) bore a son named Ronan. The name has surged in popularity in the English-speaking world, boosted by journalist Ronan Farrow and filmmaker Ronan Bennett. It has a warm, Celtic musicality.
how popular is this name?
Ronan has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 25 years since 2001. It peaked at #247 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #247 |
| 2024 | #257 |
| 2023 | #290 |
| 2022 | #266 |
| 2021 | #274 |
| 2020 | #270 |
| 2019 | #268 |
| 2018 | #294 |
| 2017 | #296 |
| 2016 | #315 |
| 2010 | #508 |
| 2001 | #858 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Ronan fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Ronan
The name goes back to Primitive Irish and is recorded in an Ogham inscription that reads Rónán, son of Comgán.
who are famous people named Ronan?
- Ronan Farrow (American journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner)
- Ronan Keating (Irish singer-songwriter)
what are the nicknames and variants of Ronan?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Ronan?
what names go well with Ronan?
Sibling names that share Ronan's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Ronan
What does the name Ronan mean?
Ronan means “little seal”.
What is the origin of the name Ronan?
Ronan comes from the Irish naming tradition. Related forms include Rónán.
How popular is the name Ronan?
Ronan ranked #247 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2025, at #247, and it has spent 25 years in the top 1,000 since 2001.
Is Ronan a boy or girl name?
Ronan is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Ronan?
Ronan is pronounced ROH-nan, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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